Diary paper topics
1. Character-analysis → motives, development, how author depicts character. (Ex. Peter, Misty, Tabby)
2. Alternate ending
3. Create your own story including some sort of cycle
4. Relationship between any two characters→ describe and analyze
5. Explain how the author’s nihilist views are reflected in this book.
6. Journal entry of any other character besides Misty
7. Explain the importance of art. Could the book survive without this element?
8. Go into detail about the metaphors of fire. How is it symbolic.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Diary discussion questions
FOR DISCUSSION
1. The opening pages of the novel present a bewildering situation for the reader with their use of the narrating voice. Who is “you”? How soon do we learn who is speaking (or writing), and who is being spoken to? What is the effect of this confusion, and why might Palahniuk have chosen to begin this way? What are the characteristics of Misty’s diary style?
2. Misty grew up in a trailer park where “she never knew her dad, and maybe her mom worked two jobs. One at a shitty fiberglass insulation factory, one slopping food in a hospital cafeteria. Of course, this kid dreams of a place like this island, where nobody works except to keep house and pick wild blueberries and beachcomb” [p. 9]. Why does she poke fun at her own background and her dreams of a perfect place like the island?
3. As she works in the Wood and Gold Dining Room, Misty calls herself “queen of the slaves” [p. 17] and is disgusted by the rich summer people who have destroyed the island. When she sees a message written on the underside of table six—“Don’t let them trick you again” [p. 22]—she doesn’t understand what it means. How do the book’s early chapters create suspense, and how do they create a sense of empathy for Misty?
4. What details contribute to the reader’s perception of Peter’s mother? Why is she both laughable and sinister?
5. Misty tells herself after marrying Peter, “It wasn’t a career as an artist that she wanted. What she really wanted, all along, was the house, the family, the peace” [p. 13]. Does the novel suggest that Misty has been sucked into a role of feminine domesticity at the expense of her desire to be an artist? Or does it suggest that there was never any other destiny available to Misty than to be the chosen vehicle for the island’s salvation?
6. Diary is full of scrawled messages and urgent attempts to communicate. Some are left by Peter Wilmot, some by Maura Kincaid, and some by Constance Burton. Why are these messages so difficult to understand? Why did Peter leave his messages in sealed rooms? Does Misty lack the knowledge essential to interpreting them? How does she figure out what is going on, and how does her understanding influence her actions?
7. How has Peter described Misty’s body? How does Misty describe her own body? Why is her physicality important to the story, and why does Palahniuk use such unflinching details about bodies and their functions? What do these details contribute to the atmosphere of the novel?
8. Why does Misty allow her drinking habit to be replaced by the little green pills, even when they give her terrible headaches? How might she have resisted the doctor and her mother-in-law?
9. With Misty’s descriptions of the work that was considered cool in art school, is Palahniuk delivering a critique of contemporary ideas about edgy, ironic art [pp. 75–76, 79–80]? Is he suggesting that art like Misty’s, which is a direct expression of her own desire, is of greater value? Or is he also criticizing the art of the idealized landscape and the perfect world–“the wish list of a white trash girl; big houses, church weddings, picnics on the beach”—as being trite?
1. The opening pages of the novel present a bewildering situation for the reader with their use of the narrating voice. Who is “you”? How soon do we learn who is speaking (or writing), and who is being spoken to? What is the effect of this confusion, and why might Palahniuk have chosen to begin this way? What are the characteristics of Misty’s diary style?
2. Misty grew up in a trailer park where “she never knew her dad, and maybe her mom worked two jobs. One at a shitty fiberglass insulation factory, one slopping food in a hospital cafeteria. Of course, this kid dreams of a place like this island, where nobody works except to keep house and pick wild blueberries and beachcomb” [p. 9]. Why does she poke fun at her own background and her dreams of a perfect place like the island?
3. As she works in the Wood and Gold Dining Room, Misty calls herself “queen of the slaves” [p. 17] and is disgusted by the rich summer people who have destroyed the island. When she sees a message written on the underside of table six—“Don’t let them trick you again” [p. 22]—she doesn’t understand what it means. How do the book’s early chapters create suspense, and how do they create a sense of empathy for Misty?
4. What details contribute to the reader’s perception of Peter’s mother? Why is she both laughable and sinister?
5. Misty tells herself after marrying Peter, “It wasn’t a career as an artist that she wanted. What she really wanted, all along, was the house, the family, the peace” [p. 13]. Does the novel suggest that Misty has been sucked into a role of feminine domesticity at the expense of her desire to be an artist? Or does it suggest that there was never any other destiny available to Misty than to be the chosen vehicle for the island’s salvation?
6. Diary is full of scrawled messages and urgent attempts to communicate. Some are left by Peter Wilmot, some by Maura Kincaid, and some by Constance Burton. Why are these messages so difficult to understand? Why did Peter leave his messages in sealed rooms? Does Misty lack the knowledge essential to interpreting them? How does she figure out what is going on, and how does her understanding influence her actions?
7. How has Peter described Misty’s body? How does Misty describe her own body? Why is her physicality important to the story, and why does Palahniuk use such unflinching details about bodies and their functions? What do these details contribute to the atmosphere of the novel?
8. Why does Misty allow her drinking habit to be replaced by the little green pills, even when they give her terrible headaches? How might she have resisted the doctor and her mother-in-law?
9. With Misty’s descriptions of the work that was considered cool in art school, is Palahniuk delivering a critique of contemporary ideas about edgy, ironic art [pp. 75–76, 79–80]? Is he suggesting that art like Misty’s, which is a direct expression of her own desire, is of greater value? Or is he also criticizing the art of the idealized landscape and the perfect world–“the wish list of a white trash girl; big houses, church weddings, picnics on the beach”—as being trite?
Monday, October 20, 2008
week of October 20
Wednesday 10/22 - Editorial analysis for those who did not bring it in on Monday; book recommendations for our class book
Friday 10/24 - Rough draft of public commentary piece (see below); bring in one copy for your peer reviewer
Writing a "Public Commentary"
Draft Due: October 24, 2008
Final Due: October 28, 2008
Write an in-depth commentary on a particular issue of controversy or interest related to your experience as a student in our community (Syracuse, MPH).
For this essay you must report in-depth on the issues and differing viewpoints related to a topic of public controversy or interest. You must give indication in the essay that you are knowledgeable about your topic and are familiar with opposing and supporting views on the subject.
You essay can address the same topic of your Reading Response #2, or you can choose another. Topics can be of national, statewide, or even local interest.
Your draft should be 900-1500 words (3-5 pages) long, typed format, and double-spaced. Please don’t forget to bring extra copies of your draft when it is due.
Friday 10/24 - Rough draft of public commentary piece (see below); bring in one copy for your peer reviewer
Writing a "Public Commentary"
Draft Due: October 24, 2008
Final Due: October 28, 2008
Write an in-depth commentary on a particular issue of controversy or interest related to your experience as a student in our community (Syracuse, MPH).
For this essay you must report in-depth on the issues and differing viewpoints related to a topic of public controversy or interest. You must give indication in the essay that you are knowledgeable about your topic and are familiar with opposing and supporting views on the subject.
You essay can address the same topic of your Reading Response #2, or you can choose another. Topics can be of national, statewide, or even local interest.
Your draft should be 900-1500 words (3-5 pages) long, typed format, and double-spaced. Please don’t forget to bring extra copies of your draft when it is due.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Reader Response #2 Assignment - Editorial
College Writing
Reading Response No. 2
Due: Monday, October 20th (final)
There will be no draft or peer-edit for this assignment
Your job for Response #2 is to track down a magazine or newspaper editorial, read it, and then offer your critical summary of the writer's argument, giving an outline of his/her main structure and your opinion as to the effectiveness and validity of the writer's opinions.
For Response #2 you will need to do the job of finding an editorial on a subject that may interest you from a published source, such as a newspaper or magazine.
Some examples of these might include:
* An editorial from the Syracuse Post-Standard about some issue of local interest
* An editorial from a large city newspaper--the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, or the Boston Globe, etc.--on a general national or region-wide topic of concern
* An editorial from a special interest magazines like a sports magazine (Sports Illustrated) or an entertainment magazine (Entertainment Weekly, Premiere), or something else (Gourmet)
Keep in mind two or three different possibilities before picking the one you will use.
No matter what you choose, your editorial needs to
* Have an argument,
* Be from a reputable magazine or newspaper source (even if online)
* Be at least 5 paragraphs long
When analyzing and commenting on the editorial in your response, you may wish to pay particular attention to the following:
* What is the author's "evidence." How does the author back up opinions? What evidence does the author offer to substantiate his or her ideas? Any background information, facts? Statistics, etc.? Does the writer overly rely on personal experience?
* Is the author fair to the opposing side? Does the author accurately state the opposing view even though the author may disagree?
* Is the argument well-organized, logical, or clearly stated? Can you outline or list the author's main points? Can you sum-up the point in one or two sentences?
* Avoid devoting space on YOUR opinion about the topic. Remember, your primary job is to summarize the argument of the editorial.
Your summary should be about 600 words (about 2 pages). Try to organize your own thoughts in your response as much as possible. Your response should be typed format, and double-spaced. Please staple your editorial to your exploration when you turn it in.
Reading Response No. 2
Due: Monday, October 20th (final)
There will be no draft or peer-edit for this assignment
Your job for Response #2 is to track down a magazine or newspaper editorial, read it, and then offer your critical summary of the writer's argument, giving an outline of his/her main structure and your opinion as to the effectiveness and validity of the writer's opinions.
For Response #2 you will need to do the job of finding an editorial on a subject that may interest you from a published source, such as a newspaper or magazine.
Some examples of these might include:
* An editorial from the Syracuse Post-Standard about some issue of local interest
* An editorial from a large city newspaper--the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, or the Boston Globe, etc.--on a general national or region-wide topic of concern
* An editorial from a special interest magazines like a sports magazine (Sports Illustrated) or an entertainment magazine (Entertainment Weekly, Premiere), or something else (Gourmet)
Keep in mind two or three different possibilities before picking the one you will use.
No matter what you choose, your editorial needs to
* Have an argument,
* Be from a reputable magazine or newspaper source (even if online)
* Be at least 5 paragraphs long
When analyzing and commenting on the editorial in your response, you may wish to pay particular attention to the following:
* What is the author's "evidence." How does the author back up opinions? What evidence does the author offer to substantiate his or her ideas? Any background information, facts? Statistics, etc.? Does the writer overly rely on personal experience?
* Is the author fair to the opposing side? Does the author accurately state the opposing view even though the author may disagree?
* Is the argument well-organized, logical, or clearly stated? Can you outline or list the author's main points? Can you sum-up the point in one or two sentences?
* Avoid devoting space on YOUR opinion about the topic. Remember, your primary job is to summarize the argument of the editorial.
Your summary should be about 600 words (about 2 pages). Try to organize your own thoughts in your response as much as possible. Your response should be typed format, and double-spaced. Please staple your editorial to your exploration when you turn it in.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Weekend Update!!! and a request...
as per our group discussion on Thursday, the Reader Response #2 paper dates have changed. You are still required to find an editorial and critique it.
Monday - rough draft of RR#2 due;
Wednesday - Final draft due
Also - I am looking into our Dec-Jan syllabus and I feel strongly that our class would benefit from reading a book together. There is a catch, however. YOU need to research and suggest a novel that you feel would be a) of interest to the class and b) have some educational/literary substance. I have some ideas, but I would truly like the class to suggest and then choose a book for the last month or so of class. What do you think?
Monday - rough draft of RR#2 due;
Wednesday - Final draft due
Also - I am looking into our Dec-Jan syllabus and I feel strongly that our class would benefit from reading a book together. There is a catch, however. YOU need to research and suggest a novel that you feel would be a) of interest to the class and b) have some educational/literary substance. I have some ideas, but I would truly like the class to suggest and then choose a book for the last month or so of class. What do you think?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Thesis Statements
For more information on developing a thesis, visit:
Purdue OWL's Thesis or Question
Harvard University's Developing a Thesis
Indiana University's How to Write a Thesis
Northwestern University Writing Center's Developing a Thesis
University of Wisconsin's Developing a Thesis Statement
Dartmouth's Developing a Thesis
Hunter College's Developing a Thesis
Hamilton College's Introductions and Thesis Statements
Capital Community College's The Thesis Statement
Developing a Thesis Statement http://english.ttu.edu/uwc/thesis.html
Using Thesis Statements (U. Toronto) http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/thesis.html
Write Place: Thesis Statement http://english.ttu.edu/uwc/thesis.html
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 6th
Just a friendly reminder that you are to bring in your rough draft and enough copies for your peer group. I do understand that many of you are busy with SATs this weekend, but make a conscientious effort to write at least 1-2 pages.
You may not come to class saying you have to go print it out and make copies. If you do, you will NOT get homework credit.
You may not come to class saying you have to go print it out and make copies. If you do, you will NOT get homework credit.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Corporation Critical Essay
Hello, Seniors-
Here is our timeline for the next couple of weeks:
Monday, 9/29 - workshop day
- outline;
Tuesday, 9/30 - No School
Thursday 10/2 - Workshop day
Monday, 10/6 - Rough draft due (bring copies for group!)
- group peer review
Wednesday, 10/8 - workshop day
Thursday, 10/9 - No School
- Columbus Day Weekend -
Tuesday, 10/14 - tba
Thursday, 10/16 - Final draft is due
Remember - I am willing to help you on your college essays!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Reminder
Dear Seniors,
Don't forget that your Reader Response #1 final draft is due September 25th! This Thursday!! Have it printed BEFORE class begins or it will be considered late!
On Tuesday, you will be watching the documentary "The Corporation".
See you on Thursday!
Ms. S
Don't forget that your Reader Response #1 final draft is due September 25th! This Thursday!! Have it printed BEFORE class begins or it will be considered late!
On Tuesday, you will be watching the documentary "The Corporation".
See you on Thursday!
Ms. S
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Homework Reminder
For Monday 9/15, you are to bring in your final senior blurb (no email yet - I need to proofread them first). Also you need enough copies of your response to Doris Goodwin's "Fan" essay for your group.
Have a good weekend!
Have a good weekend!
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